The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) proudly continues its networking and mentoring series on March 1, 2017, with “Take Two: What Keeps Them Coming Back”, the second film-focused event to be held in Oklahoma City at The Paramount on Film Row. Launched last year, the OF+MO Networking and Mentoring Series provides dynamic networking and mentorship opportunities by connecting professionals, students and enthusiasts of Oklahoma’s film and music industries with renowned special guests who can share valuable insight and expertise based on their respective fields.
With this year’s aptly named event “Take Two” What Keeps Them Coming Back”, guests are invited to learn more about directing and producing films in Oklahoma and what keeps filmmakers returning to the state from special guests Harvey Lowry (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “Monday at 11:01am”) and Kelli Kaye (“Hanna’s Gold, “The Hitmen Diaries”).
“Our office received an enthusiastic response to our inaugural networking and mentoring events for the film and music industries last year,” said OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky. “We look forward to providing continued educational opportunities for our local industry members, and trust our audiences will benefit from the mentorship of Lowry and Kaye, both seasoned professionals with rich, storied backgrounds.”
Lowry, a multi-talented special effects artist, director and producer, garnered two Academy Awards for his company’s SFX work on the films “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “The Passion of the Christ”. Beginning in 2000, Lowry switched gears to producing and directing films, and has since worked on over 29 projects recently completing his second feature film in Oklahoma to be announced next week by OF+MO.
“Two years ago, I directed my first movie here in Oklahoma. I was so impressed with the highly professional crews and local cast at the time that I began planning on coming back for my second film,” said Lowry. “Currently, I’m filming a Christmas movie in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and I’m happy to say that I’m having a very smooth production and already planning for the third.”
Kaye, who has collaborated with Lowry on multiple projects, has successfully produced and served as line producer or unit production manager on more than 35 feature films. With responsibilities that range from the creation of the budget to managing the on-set environment, Kaye’s credits include working with Hollywood heavyweights such as John Legend (“Breaking Through”) and Bryan Cranston (“Leave”). Kaye is currently serving as both a producer and line producer on Lowry’s current film in Oklahoma, his second production to utilize the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program after the 2014 production, “Monday at 11:01am”.
“Rebates are very important to independent filmmakers when choosing a location to shoot a film as they are what draw us to a particular state,” said Kaye. “This is my first feature filming in Oklahoma, and it’s been positively unforgettable. The overabundance of support and hospitality from the locals has played a crucial part in making us feel welcome and at home.”
“Take Two” will be take place on Wednesday, March 1, at The Paramount on Film Row, beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. featuring live music from Oklahoma folk and fiddle duo Casey & Minna. The reception will be followed by the main event featuring a discussion with Lowry and Kaye moderated by Oklahoma’s own Chris Freihofer, owner of The Actor Factory.
Attendees for this event will have the opportunity to register for a number of great giveaways including a private mentor breakfast with Lowry and Kaye which will take place the morning of Thursday, March 2, at Dunlap Codding located on Film Row. Additional contests will include a gift voucher for The Actor Factory valued at $300 and two All-Access Passes to the 2017 deadCENTER Film Festival valued at $150 each.
OF+MO would like to thank our presenting sponsor The Paramount on Film Row and our production partner Titan Standard, who will be live streaming the event. Our community sponsors include Nosh Restaurant, who will be providing light food and drink at Wednesday’s event; Dunlap Codding, who will host Thursday’s mentor session; and both The Actor Factory and deadCENTER Film Festival, who have provided fantastic giveaway packages. Attendance is free.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Created in 1979, The Oklahoma Film + Music Office strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma’s film and music industries. For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program or the Oklahoma Film + Music Office please visit www.okfilmmusic.org.
